London museum to return looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

The 72 objects taken in 1897 from what is now Nigeria are set to be returned

A mask, part of the Benin Bronzes to be returned to Nigeria. PA

London's Horniman Museum has agreed to return ownership of the Benin Bronzes and other looted artefacts to Nigeria.

Looted in 1897, the collection of 72 objects that includes 12 brass plaques known as the Benin Bronzes will be transferred to the Nigerian government, museum leaders say.

“The evidence is very clear that these objects were acquired through force, and external consultation supported our view that it is both moral and appropriate to return their ownership to Nigeria,” said Eve Salomon, chairwoman of the trustees of the Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill, south-east London.

A brass cockerel altar piece, ivory and brass ceremonial objects, brass bells, everyday items such as fans and baskets and a key “to the king’s palace” are among the items.

The Horniman's collection is a small part of the 3,000 to 5,000 artefacts taken from the Kingdom of Benin in February 1897 when soldiers under the command of the British Empire attacked and occupied Benin City.

Calls for the restitution of colonial-era plunder have been gaining ground recently, marked by shifts in attitudes and the actions of some institutions.

In July, the leadership councils of Cambridge and Oxford universities agreed to return hundreds of Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in what would pave the way for the largest repatriation of cultural treasures from Britain yet.

Earlier this month, the British Museum said it was engaging with Athens over a potential permanent loan of the disputed Parthenon Marbles - commonly referred to as the Elgin Marbles in the UK - to Greece.

On Sunday, the London-based cultural institution, which holds more than 900 objects from Benin, said is committed to a "thorough and open investigation" of the history of the Benin artefacts and is working with a number of partners in Nigeria.

Former European colonial powers have also responded positively to Nigeria's formal requests for the return of their looted cultural heritage.

Germany has already agreed to return hundreds of Benin Bronzes to Nigeria and last year, France signed over 26 pieces belonging to the Abomey Treasures, priceless artworks of the 19th century Dahomey kingdom in present-day Benin.

The return of the Horniman Museum's collection comes after Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments made a formal request in January.

The Horniman Museum then carried out detailed research and contacted community members, visitors, schoolchildren, academics, heritage professionals and artists in Nigeria and the UK.

The Quai Branly Museum in Paris is exhibiting over a dozen colonial-era treasures taken from Benin, the last time they will be shown in France before being returned to the African nation. AP

Artworks from the collection on display inside the Quai Branly Museum. The 26 pieces, from a trove of objects taken by French forces in 1892, are being shown for only six days at the museum before being shipped to Benin. EPA

The treasures are from the kingdom of Dahomey in the south of present-day Benin. EPA

The 19th century throne of King Ghezo, left, and the throne of King Glele, from Benin, are part of the exhibit. AP

A close-up view of the detail on one of King Glele's palace doors. AP

A statue of Benin's 19th century King Behanzin on display. AP

A sculpture entitled 'Royal Seat'. EPA

The Horniman trustees decided to return ownership of the collection and this was approved by the Charity Commission on August 5.

Talks are being held with the Nigerian commission about the formal transfer of ownership, and the possibility of keeping some objects on loan for display, research and education.

“We very much welcome this decision by the trustees of the Horniman Museum and Gardens," said commission director general Prof Abba Tijani.

“Following the endorsement by the Charity Commission, we look forward to a productive discussion on loan agreements and collaborations between the National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the Horniman.”

The Horniman Museum and Gardens was last month named the Art Fund’s Museum of the Year.